Theater of Operations (Medical)

The land, sea and air utilized by troops in which military operations against the enemy are conducted is known as the THEATER OF OPERATIONS. The theater is divided into the COMBAT ZONE and the COMMUNICATIONS ZONE (COMMZ). AMEDD personnel will learn more about the medical theater of operations during the AMEDD Officer Basic Course. The following information is merely to acquaint you with the various medical treatment facilities within the theater.

Medical Support in the Theater of Operations

There are four levels of health service support in a theater of operations:

  1. UNIT LEVEL SUPPORT

    2. Battalion Aid Station (BAS) provides sick call and emergency medical care.

  2. DIVISION LEVEL MEDICAL SUPPORT

    3. A Forward Support Medical Company (FSMC) consists of a Treatment Section that provides: temporary medical and surgical care, limited (72 hour) holding capacity and emergency dental treatment. The ambulance platoon provides transportation of patients from the BAS.

    A Division Rear Main Support Medical Company (MSMC) with the same capabilities as the FSMC, as well as: limited psychiatric care, preventative medicine officer, and may also include an anesthesiologist and an optometrist.

  3. CORPS LEVEL MEDICAL SUPPORT

    4. MASH (Mobile Army Surgical Hospital), CSH (Combat Support Hospital), and an Evacuation Hospital provide various levels of surgical and acute care.

  4. COMMUNICATIONS ZONE LEVEL MEDICAL SUPPORT

    5. Principal Treatment Facility (General Hospital), providing care for patients evacuated away from the combat zone.